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On Politics

Mon Dec 8 2025

Kathryn Palmer | Politics Reporter

@KathrynPlmr

Hello, readers. Happy Monday. Kathryn Palmer here, bringing you another roundup of USA TODAY's top politics coverage. Here's what to know today.

Could farmers get billions in tariff relief?

Trump is expected to unveil a $12 billion assistance package today for farmers hurt by low crop prices and tariffs, a White House official familiar with the proposal told USA TODAY. Farmers and the agricultural industry represent a key segment of the Republican president's base and have been struggling amid Trump's far-reaching tariffs. Farmers have experienced multi-billion-dollar declines in exports with their largest overseas markets after the tariffs were imposed, and soybean farmers were particularly harmed when China retaliated against the tax hikes. The official told USA TODAY the package will include one-time payments to row-crop farmers, which include producers of soybeans, corn, wheat, rice and cotton.

President Donald Trump poses on the red carpet for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 7.

Jeenah Moon, REUTERS

A politics roundup:

•	There were several shakeups for the Kennedy Center Honors lineup this year, including having President Donald Trump as its emcee
•	The National Guard member injured in the DC shooting, during which another soldier was fatally wounded, is "slowly healing"
•	The Supreme Court won't hear a Texas book ban case, keeping the disputed books' titles off shelves
•	"Shame on you": Tim Walz's daughter, Hope Walz, slams Trump's use of "r-word" slur in now-deleted video

Gallery: George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, others receive medals from Trump at 2025 Kennedy Center Honors

After pardon, Trump lambasts Democratic lawmaker

A few days after Trump issued a preemptive pardon to embattled Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar, the Texas congressman announced he is running for reelection − as a Democrat. The president made clear he is not happy about that. On Sunday, Trump sent out a social media post accusing Cuellar of a "lack of loyalty," heavily implying he expected the 11-term conservative Democrat to switch sides and join the GOP after he pardoned him and his wife. The pair were facing trial on multiple counts of bribery, conspiracy and money laundering.

Trump wades in on streaming battle

Paramount is facing off against Netflix in an attempt to outbid the popular streaming platform company and acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Trump is weighing in on the bidding battle, which could end up creating a multibillion-dollar media powerhouse if either company obtains Warner Bros. The president told reporters yesterday he will be involved in the review of the deal, and said a Paramount-Warner Bros.' combined market share "could be a problem." The planned acquisition has faced political pushback and antitrust concerns. Read more about the deal, and how Trump could factor in here.

Thanks for reading On Politics! Reach out with any questions, comments, concerns: kapalmer@usatoday.com.